Welcome to our community where kids learn, play, and grow while immersed in the natural world. We're so happy to have you join us in this adventure of learning, growing, and exploring the world together. Let's make memories under the open sky!
About the Sunshine Squad
The Sunshine Squad is a nature-loving homeschool group dedicated to fostering a joyful, outdoor-centered learning experience for children and families. We believe in the power of play, exploration, and community while respecting each family's unique homeschooling journey.
We offer: 🌿Outdoor Meetups & Nature Walk 🌎Ecology & Earth Science Lessons 📚Story Circles 🎨Art in Nature 🌻Gardening & Foraging Activities
Our goal is to create a learning environment that is education based, child-led, nature-infused, and filled with wonder.
Our Values
Respect for Nature & Each Other
☀️ We cultivate kindness, gratitude, and stewardship for the earth and all living things.
Outdoor Learning First
🌱 Whenever possible, we take our lessons outside, using nature as our classroom.
Curiosity & Exploration
🦋 We encourage kids to follow their interests and discover the world around them through a variety of lessons and hands-on experiences.
Community & Cooperation
🤝 Learning is a shared experience, and we grow stronger together. We encourage active participation.
Nature Navigator - Bridget Davidson : Field Trip & Adventure Coordinator: Plans outdoor field trips, hikes, and nature-based activities.
Sunshine Stewards - Volunteer Coordinators: Schedules Activies and Opportunities to help and give back to our community.
Leaf Keepers - Leaders of the Book Club : Organize and select books that spark wonder, curiousity, and exploration. Lead Book circle and discussions.
Meadow Whisperer - Mindfulness Mentor : Guides children and families in mindfulness, breathing exercises, and gentle self-awareness. Fostering a peaceful and present learning experience.
Breeze Weaver - Theater and Music Mentor : Leads children in imaginative expression through drama, storytelling, and song.
Parent & Member Roles
Fern Friends : Active Participant: Joins meetups, engages in activities, and contributes to group energy.
Sun Chaser : Nature Mentor: Shares knowledge about plants, wildlife, survival skills, or eco-friendly living. Organizes play based learning activities.
Echo Keeper : Storyteller or Musician: Leads story circles, singalongs, or poetry readings.
Meadow Muse : Craft & Art Helper: Organizes hands-on nature-inspired art projects.
Trailblazer : Trail Guide: Helps lead hikes and outdoor explorations.
Branch Buddy : General Helper : Assists with lessons. Provides extra assistane wherever needed.
Garden Guardian : Organizes hands on nature adventures and planting projects.
What to Expect
☀️ Outdoor Gatherings
Most of our meetups take place at parks, forests, beaches, or other outdoor locations. Please dress for the weather and be prepared for an immersive nature experience!
🌿 Hands-On Learning
We believe kids learn best through movement, play, and discovery. Whether it’s identifying wildflowers, tracking animal prints, or making natural dyes, we encourage exploration.
💬 Community & Connection
We keep our group strong through open communication.
Stay updated via our private WhatsApp and email list and engage with other members!
Everyone is encouraged to share ideas!
Everyone has something to offer - let's co-create a magical and enriching experience together 🌻
💥 Get Involved
🌎 Lead Nature walks
📖 Share a book or story
🎨 Organize an art or craft project
🍃 Share knowledge of plants, animals, or survival skills
🎶 Bring an instrument and lead a musical session
♥︎ Plan a mom's night, or afternoon gathering
Participation Principles
Respect Nature
Leave no trace, be mindful of wildlife, and take care of our earth.
Stay Engaged
The more involved you are, the more rewarding the experience!
Supervise Children
Parents are responsible for their children’s safety during meetups.
Be Adaptable
Nature is unpredictable! Be flexible and embrace the adventure.
Guidelines
Attendance
We understand life is unpredictable, please inform us if you will not be joining us 48/24 hrs in advance to help us plan appropriately for both the lessons and supplies.
If you or your children are not feeling well, please stay home. We know it's hard to miss out, but we will make sure you get all materials and worksheets from the lesson.
Arrival Time
Our classes typically begin around 10:15 giving each family time to arrive.
We wish you save travels rather than feeling rushed.
We are sympathetic and understand the hinderance of traffic these days.
Kindness & Respect
Our children are all at different levels of learning. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to support each other.
We avoid comparing and criticism.
We promote practicing patience and listening.
Agression
Hands are for helping.
We do not tolerate violence or aggression.
We understand life can be frustrating, we encourage breathing, walking away, or taking space.
Anyone can ask for help from an adult if they are feeling stuck.
How to Get Involved
1
🌎 Lead a Nature Walk
We love learning and adding to our Nature Journals.
Share your knowledge of a topic you find interesting or love, such as birds, trees, insects, or geology.
2
📖 Share a Book or Story
Gather around the circle and share stories, songs, poems, or nature-related tales.
Library books, stories written by our Squad members, or anything that sparks the imagination.
3
🎨 Organize an Outdoor Art or Craft Project
Use natural materials to create art, crafts, or nature-inspired sculptures.
It can be related to our monthly topic, or any creative idea to encourage artistic expression.
4
🍃 Share Your Knowledge
Share information about plants, animals, survival skills, eco-friendly living, or our natural world.
Add on to any scheduled lesson, or create your own.
5
🎶 Bring Music to the Gathering
Share your musical talents with a drum, flute, guitar, or any instrument that brings joy to the group.
Music is a wonderful learning aid.
Monthly Schedule
Contact Information
For any additional information about the Sunshine Squad, please contact us: email@sunshinesquadfl.com